Dad and I love using reclaimed timber to create gorgeous heirloom boards – it’s so amazing to take a piece of wood that looks like it’s life is over, then to strip it back and find amazing grain and character underneath.It’s always exciting to plan what we might make out of it.

This weekend, I photographed Dad making up a board from some cypress pine (smells amazing!) – want to see?

These pieces were from a large post, so he first cut it into useable thicknesses and lengths for the finished boards.Next, it’s doweling the boards together so it’s super strong – quite a process when doing it by hand!

The next step will be to smooth out the surface with planning and multiple sandings until it’s polished and deliciously smooth to touch.I’m planning on leather handles for these boards, and am still deciding if I’ll paint them or oil them.We’ve refined enough pieces to make 5 boards, it’s the best thing about reclaimed timbers – each one will only make a few unique pieces, so it’s a constantly evolving design process.

Ps: What do you think of these beautiful planes? They are from my grandfathers who were carpenters – the wooden ones were handmade by them! Something that doesn’t happen these day….